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Compare Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Baclofen (Ozobax DS, Fleqsuvy, Lyvispah) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are both prescription muscle relaxers used to treat muscle spasms and stiffness. Baclofen is typically used for muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, whereas tizanidine is used for muscle stiffness and rigidity. Baclofen is available in tablets, oral solutions, and dissolvable granules, while tizanidine comes in tablets and capsules. Both medications are usually taken three times a day, with baclofen doses ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg and tizanidine doses from 2 mg to 36 mg per day. Baclofen can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea, while tizanidine can cause low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Both medications interact with some other medications. Always be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Baclofen
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • Baclofen
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

  • Summary of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Baclofen is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in adults and children ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Baclofen comes as tablets, as well as oral solutions (including brand names Ozobax DS and Fleqsuvy) and dissolvable granules (brand name Lyvispah) for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Side effects of baclofen include sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea. If you stop this medication too suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer used to treat stiff, rigid muscles. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a controlled substance, so it isn't known to cause an addiction. But it does have several risks and warnings for side effects such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) comes as both brand and generic name tablets and capsules.

  • Indications of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Indications for
    •Muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in people ages 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity

  • Pros and Cons of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly
    •Can take with or without food
    •Tablets and some liquid formulations are available as lower-cost generics
    •Can crush or cut tablets
    Cons
    •Sleepiness is a common side effect
    •Oral granules are available as a brand-name only
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too quickly
    •Might not be safe while pregnant
    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Works very quickly
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Can be taken only as needed
    •Multiple strengths available, so you can customize your dose easier
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle rigidity and high blood pressure
    •Food can affect how well your body absorbs tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    •Not a good option for people with liver and kidney problems
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure as side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 63%)
    •Dizziness (up to 15%)
    •Weakness (up to 15%)
    •Nausea (up to 12%)
    •Confusion (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    •Don't take during pregnancy
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening drowsiness (from medication interactions)
    •Higher risk of tizanidine side effects (in people with kidney problems)
    •Liver damage
    •Hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

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    Learn more about Tizanidine

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